Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that is enjoyed by many people of all ages. This game requires a combination of skills, which include strength, agility, and strategy.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, learning the best doubles strategy is essential if you want to be successful in the game. Here we present you with the top 10 winning tips that will improve your chances of winning.
1. Serve deep
One of the most essential aspects of the pickleball doubles strategy is serving deep. It helps you gain control of the game from the start and puts the opponent under pressure. A deep serve will make it difficult for your opponents to return and will likely result in a weak return.
Additionally, a deep serve will force the opposing team to hit a higher return, giving the serving team the chance to take control of the net and put pressure on their opponents. This sets up the serving team for their next shot, which is crucial in doubles pickleball.
So, by serving deep, the serving team gains an advantage and sets themselves up for a successful third shot, ultimately increasing their chances of winning the game.
2. Keep your Opponents Pinned to the Baseline
Playing aggressively at the net is one of the key pickleball doubles strategies that can effectively pin your opponents to the baseline.
The closer you are to the net, the more likely you are to be in a position to hit a winner. By keeping your opponents pinned, you will minimize their ability to hit effective shots, making it easier for you to dictate the pace of the game.
Moreover, doubles pickleball is all about teamwork and communication. Effective communication with your partner is crucial to keeping your opponents pinned to the baseline. Your partner can help you by signaling where the next shot should be directed and by covering the court area that you can't reach.
This way, you can effectively execute strategic shots and force your opponents to play defensively, leading to a higher chance of winning the game.
3. Communicate with your partner
Communication is crucial in pickleball doubles. It helps you coordinate and strategize effectively. You should communicate with your partner about where to stand, who will take the shot, and which side to cover.
Effective communication with your partner is not only important to keep your opponents pinned to the baseline but also to execute various other pickleball doubles strategies. You need to communicate effectively to decide on which strategy to follow and when to implement it.
For instance, you can opt for a counter-attack strategy if your opponents start playing aggressively, or you can switch to a defensive strategy if you are facing a tough time during the game.
A good doubles pickleball strategy requires both players to be in sync with each other, and this can only be achieved through consistent communication. It helps to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your opponents and execute your game plan accordingly.
4. Move as a team
In the pickleball doubles strategy, it's important to move as a team. This means both players should move together on the pickleball court, covering as much ground as possible. By doing so, you'll be able to cover the court and take control of the game.
When you move as a team in the pickleball doubles strategy, you increase your chances of winning. A doubles pickleball strategy that involves both players moving together makes it harder for your opponents to hit the ball past you. Moving together also allows you and your partner to cover more ground, making it easier to execute your game plan effectively.
Moreover, it's important to keep in mind that a doubles team is only as good as its weakest link. By moving as a team, you can help each other improve and overcome weaknesses. You can cover for each other's mistakes, increase your speed, and adapt to various situations during the game.
5. Hit the ball at your opponent's feet
In playing doubles pickleball, hitting the ball at your opponent's feet should be included in your pickleball strategy. A drive shot aimed toward your opponent's shoes can be a tricky shot to handle, making it difficult for them to return the ball effectively.
Moreover, this shot can set you up for a successful third shot. If your opponents struggle to return the ball, it gives you an opportunity to move closer to the net and hit a more aggressive shot, ultimately increasing your chances of winning the game.
By limiting your opponent's ability to hit offensive shots, you could be dictating the pace of the game, giving you an advantage. Thus, this simple yet effective shot can be a powerful addition to your doubles pickleball strategy.
6. Return the Serve as Deep as Possible
Returning the serve deep is an effective way to gain control of the game early on. It puts pressure on your opponents and can force them to make mistakes.
Returning the serve deep is a key element of a successful pickleball strategy, particularly in doubles games. By hitting the ball deep into your opponent's court, you can limit their options for a return and take control of the game.
However, it's important to remember that hitting the ball too deep can also be detrimental to your game. If the ball goes out of bounds, your opponents will earn a point. Additionally, hitting the ball too deep can give your opponents an opportunity to take control of the game by hitting an aggressive third shot.
To avoid these pitfalls, it's essential to practice your return game and focus on hitting the ball deep but within the boundaries of the court. With practice, you and your partner can develop a strong doubles pickleball strategy that includes an effective return game, giving you the advantage you need to win the game.
7. Move to the Non-Volley line after returning the serve
Moving to the Non-Volley line after returning the serve is one of the essential pickleball doubles strategies. It allows players to take control of the game and make it harder for their opponents to execute their own game plan.
Being at the Non-Volley line position gives players better opportunities to hit a drop shot, which can be a powerful weapon in playing doubles pickleball.
Moreover, the Non-Volley line position enables players to hit offensive shots that can build momentum and pressure on their opponents. By hitting aggressive shots, players can force errors and create openings for winners, ultimately increasing their chances of winning the game.
In conclusion, moving to the Non-Volley line after returning the serve is an integral part of any effective pickleball doubles strategy. It provides players with various options to control the game, including hitting a drop shot and executing offensive shots.
8. Use different shots
Using a variety of shots, such as lobs and dinks, hit drop shots, and drives keep your opponents guessing and make it difficult for them to anticipate your next move.
The third shot is also crucial in the pickleball doubles strategy. It's important to plan ahead and make a strategic shot that puts the opposing team on defense. This shot should be aimed at the opponent's feet and should be a slow, high-arching shot. This gives the serving team time to move to the net and take control of the game.
The drop shot is also a great weapon in the Pickleball doubles strategy. This shot is performed by hitting the ball softly and having it land just over the net, so the opposing team has difficulty returning it. It's a great way to force your opponents to move closer to the net, which opens up the court for other shots.
Using different shots helps you mix up the game, making it difficult for your opponents to get into a rhythm.
9. Keep the ball low
When it comes to pickleball doubles strategies, keeping the ball low is an advanced pickleball doubles strategy that can help take your game to the next level. Not only can it force your opponents to make mistakes, but it can also give you greater control over the game.
One effective way to keep the ball low is by hitting middle shots. These shots are aimed toward the middle of the court, forcing your opponents to split up and potentially leaving gaps for you to exploit. Middle shots can be especially effective when combined with other strategies, such as hitting drop shots or using different types of shots.
By incorporating low shots into your overall pickleball doubles strategy, you can become a more well-rounded player and enjoy better pickleball outcomes. So the next time you hit the court, keep these tips in mind and watch as your game improves.
10. Play to your strengths
Every player has their own strengths and weaknesses, and it's important to play to your strengths in the pickleball doubles strategy. If you have a strong forehand, use it to your advantage.
If you're quick on your feet, move around the pickleball court and take control of the game. By playing to your strengths, you'll be able to put your opponents on the defensive and increase your chances of winning.
Playing to your strengths can help you become a better pickleball player. By focusing on what you do best and utilizing your skills to your advantage, you can win more games and climb up the rankings.
However, it's important to remember that playing to your strengths doesn't mean ignoring your weaknesses. In fact, it's equally important to identify areas where you need improvement and work on them consistently. By doing so, you can become a more well-rounded player and enhance your overall performance on the court.
Conclusion:
Playing with these winning tips in mind will increase your chances of success on the court. Pickleball doubles strategy requires teamwork, communication, and the ability to adapt to your opponent.
With practice and patience, you can develop your skills and become a better player. So, next time you step onto the pickleball court, remember to serve deep, move in unison, and above all, have fun.
Playing with these winning tips in mind will increase your chances of success on the court and set you on the path to a better pickleball journey.
The world of pickleball is constantly evolving, and by staying up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and equipment, you can continue to improve your game and achieve your goals. So, get out there and have fun while taking your pickleball skills to the next level!
If you're looking for the best pickleball equipment, check out our top picks! We've done all the research for you, so you don't have to!
Be sure to check out our other pickleball and sports & fitness blog posts!
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